So during kick boxing yesterday I was punched in the nose.  The guy I was fighting with did it completely intentionally in an effort to teach me to keep my hands up.  I saw stars and my eyes watered and it bleed a little bit.  I just kept going which was difficult because my glasses were all fogged up.  Today it's swollen all up but thankfully I'm not having any trouble breathing. 

Is it strange that I am actually really proud of this?  I'm almost honoured that he punched me so hard.  First off becaused he believe I could take it.  Second because he was showing me that keeping my hands down is a really bad idea.  Sparing is one thing but it's never going to do me any good if we just playfully swat at each other.  I don't think I will ever forget again.  He is not a teacher, but another student only one at a much higher level.  Like someone said on here, guys challenge each other.

I'm glad I was guy enough for him to challenge me.   

nothing wrong with being proud of that! It's always nice to know you're being properly included into something. I don't hold back so I wouldn't want anyone else to either

Excellent! You have every right to be proud. When I was a kid I used to want to spar with my brother, but he would refuse to hit me. :p

Ha, awesome!  Thanks!   

This sounds like a lot of fun and good stress relief.  I need to find somewhere around here that has classes.  When I wanted to do karate as a kid I kept getting the response "But why would you want to learn how to beat people up?"  On the plus side, I think I got that more because my parents are hippies than because I was a "girl."     Anyways, I'm glad you're enjoying it.